Admissions

Admission Criteria

Learning Services is committed to providing clinically appropriate services to individuals who meet the established admission criteria.

1. Candidates appropriate for admission to a Learning Services program include those individuals with acquired or traumatic brain injury. This diagnosis includes, but is not limited to:

• Closed/Open Traumatic brain injury (mild, moderate, severe)
• Acquired Brain Injury such as, but not limited to:
  • Cerebral vascular accident/hemorrhage
  • Anoxic/Hypoxia injury/episode
  • Encephalopathy
  • Central Nervous System Tumor
• Spinal Cord Injury with associated Acquired Brain Injury based upon individual case review
• Other comorbid conditions associated with Acquired Brain Injury based upon case review

2. Candidates are determined to be appropriate for services based upon information obtained in a Referral Intake Process and Pre-Admission Screening. This includes medical stability, clinical appropriateness for specific program being considered, and meeting appropriate age requirements specified by state licensing regulations.

3. Candidates have viable financial support for services, which could include Worker’s Compensation, private insurance, private pay, liens, and military funding. Medicare guidelines do not include post-acute neurorehabilitation services as a covered level of care. However, several state Medicaid programs will allow limited funding for this type of rehabilitation, but it is on a state-by-state basis.

Referral Process

Inquiry

The first step in the process begins with an inquiry. This is a collaborative exchange of information aimed at determining what services are required to meet the needs of a potential candidate. The initial intake includes identifying:

• Review of injury, diagnosis, and medical course of treatment Review of pre-injury history and status
• Identification of Psychosocial Support systems
• Evaluation of Insurance/Funding options

The next step in the process is determining the type of financial resources the candidate might have that would cover the services that would meet the needs of the candidate, including post-acute neurorehabilitation, neurobehavioral rehabilitation, day treatment rehabilitation or supported living services. The Learning Services’ Director of Admissions has extensive experience in negotiating with insurance representatives. All funding resources are explored to determine whether funding options are viable to cover services requested. If funding is determined to be appropriate, the inquiry becomes a referral and the pre-admission screening process begins.

Assessment/Pre-Admission Screening

After or while the funding options are being determined, a member of the Learning Services team will perform an in person pre-admission screening assessment. This entails:

• Interview with the candidate, family members and/or caregivers
• Review of the medical records and treatment history
• Observation of therapy session if candidate is in another program
• Review of status with referring clinical team, physician, and case manager

A report is then generated which outlines the finding of the screening and outlines the following recommendations:

• Type of program/services required to address the current needs of the candidate
• Identification of recommended therapies
• Specific areas that need to be addressed related to achieving the maximum outcome
• Projected length of stay
• Recommendations if Learning Services is not the appropriate provider

Tour of the recommended program

All parties involved in making the final decision, including the candidate are encouraged to take a scheduled tour of the recommended program before the admission. Additional questions can be addressed with the clinical team and case manager, as well reviewing what to expect after the admission.

During the tour, the case manager will review the alignment of expectations for the rehabilitation process, which is then shared with all members of the team.